Analysis:

The South American will start as favourites to progress past the quarter-finals when they take on Ghana at Soccer City in Johannesburg on Friday.

Diego Forlan and his team-mates will come up against the well-organised Ghanaian side which combines skill with a physical presence and being the only African side left in the tournament.

Meanwhile Uruguay are unbeaten as Group A winners beating South Africa and Mexico after the opening goalless stalemate with France. Oscar Tabarez's side then went on to beat South Korea 2-1 in the last 16, with a double from hot-shot Luis Suarez which ensured their progress to the next stage.

On the other hand, Ghana qualified for the last 16 as Group D runners-up, a 1-0 opening victory over Serbia followed by a 1-1 draw with Australia and 1-0 defeat to Germany. Milovan Rajevac's side were the only African representatives in the knock-out phase and they pushed on once more thanks to a 2-1 extra-time win over USA.

It must be noted however that Kevin-Prince Boateng's early goal and Asamoah Gyan's extra-time winner saw Ghana progress as the only group runners-up to make the last eight.

As for the team news, Diego Godin has been ruled out of Uruguay's starting line-up after suffering a thigh injury during the victory over South Korea. He has failed to recover in time and at best start from the bench.

Mauricio Victorino will come into the side in Godin's absence after he stepped off the bench and performed well against the Koreans. Meanwhile in the only other change to the side, coach Tabarez has brought in Alvaro Fernandez for Alvaro Pereira in midfield. That means Fernando Muslera starts in goal behind a back four of Maxi Pereira, Diego Lugano, Victorino and Jorge Fucile.

Diego Perez, Egidio Arevalo and Fernandez make up the midfield with attacking trio Suarez, Forlan and Edinson Cavani starting up front.

For Ghana, three-goal leading scorer Gyan remains confident that he will be fit for the clash after picking up an ankle knock in training on Monday. Further good news is that goalscorer Boateng is also expected to be fit after suffering a thigh injury which caused him to miss training on Monday.

In other developments, Isaac Vorsah is back in training and could feature while defenders John Mensah and Samuel Inkoom should be fit enough to start.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari is hoping to make his first start in the finals following bust-ups with Rajevac. The 25-year-old could come back into the fold in the absence of the suspended Dede Ayew, while Jonathan Mensah is also suspended for Ghana.

Take Uruguay to get the win here and give the 1/2 ball here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

Uruguay 2-0 Ghana

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Uruguay to win here.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Uruguay and give the 1/2 ball here.